markets

Mobile phone maker Nokia shocked European markets today by failing to meet quarterly sales estimates, helping send the FTSE down 7.90 points to 4,472.80 by the close.

Almost one in two "active" investors believe equities will outperform and provide greater returns than property in 2004, says the Association of Investment Trust Companies.

The FTSE 100 index climbed for a second day running, adding 27.90 points to 4,456.80 by the close.

The FTSE 100 index is up about 13 points to 4,538 this morning, led upwards by bank stocks offsetting the anchoring effect of the oil and gas sector.